Kung Paano ako Naging Leading Lady

May bagong ilalabas si CARVER ngayong KOMIKON!

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!

Maxie: The Musicale

Si Maxie, may musical na!



Book and Lyrics by Nicolas B. Pichay
Music by William Elvin Manzano, JJ Pimpinio and Janine Santos
With Additional Music by Arkel Mendoza
Direction and Choreography by Dexter M. Santos

Based on Michiko Yamamoto’s screenplay
“Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros” (ufo Pictures 2005)

Bit by Bit Company’s “Maxie The Musicale: Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros” officially opens on November 9 and will run until December 8 at the PETA Theater Center in New Manila. For inquiries, you may contact Nick Guila (09151916394) or Marvin Olaes (09175336267), Ticketworld at 8919999 or visit their website, ticketworld.com.ph.



Source: http://radiorepublic.ph/life/music-life/bet-mo-tong-maxie-the-musicale/

Pens of Hope in Davao: Christmas Arts and Crafts Workshop

Click the poster for details.

Para kay Vergil Espinosa at mga nabiktima ng Lindol

Kumakatok po kami sa inyong mga puso.

Please click poster for details.

KATAKURAKOTAN!

From Delmar Topinio Taclibon:

Join the People’s Movement Against Pork Barrel!

Today @ 2pm!

KATAKURAKOTAN Horror Costume Parade Against Pork Barrel System, October 23, 2013 @ 2pm, Plaza Rajah Sulayman to Senate. Please come in your Philippine Folklore Beast Costume or Pinoy Hero against Pork Barrel Attire.

Let’s Get Going Patriots!


Delmar Topinio Taclibon, August 26th People’s Coalition Secretary General and Citizens Crime Watch Vice-President for Luzon

Sushi

Trese Book Launch

Tara!



From BUDJETTE TAN:

"This Halloween season, the Crucible Gallery becomes a gateway to Manila’s supernatural underworld as they present TRESE NIGHT GALLERY, the first one-man show of Kajo Baldisimo, artist of the award-winning graphic novel “Trese”. 

The exhibit will feature thirteen limited-edition digital prints featuring a modern take on creatures from Philippine folklore and myth, as well as original art depicting the cast of characters of “Trese”. 

Dare to venture into the TRESE NIGHT GALLERY from October 22 to November 3, 2013 at the Crucible Gallery, 4th F, SM Megamall, Ortigas. 

Meet the creators of “Trese”, writer Budjette Tan and artist Kajo Baldisimo, when they attend the official opening of TRESE NIGHT GALLERY on October 26 at 5pm.

On that same night, they will launch TRESE: BOOK OF MURDERS, a 360-page, 6.7” x 10.23”, hardcover collector’s edition compiling the first 13 Trese stories with digitally-updated artwork and new short stories with a cover price of P950.00. 

The autograph signing session will start at 6pm."

Drink Apple Cider Vinegar to Lower Blood Sugar and Insulin

Insulin is a protein peptide and a hormone produced by the pancreas. We’ve primarily understood insulin as the blood sugar reducer. It sends out a signal to cells in the liver, muscles and adipose tissue that glucose is available to be converted into glycogen and stored. Glycogen stores fill up pretty quickly and, unless you burn it, gets quickly converted to fat. In fact, when insulin is present the body doesn’t burn fat.

Insulin Resistance

When we eat a diet high in sugar and carbs our body is frequently subjected to glucose spikes, which it doesn’t tolerate well. Every time the glucose rises our pancreas releases insulin. Then it potentially becomes sort of like a naggy friend. The more they speak, the less you hear. Eventually you might hear their message but it will take 100 times more effort because you’ve learned how to tune them out.

So it is with our cells. If we’re experiencing insulin spikes frequently throughout the day our cells will stop “listening.” This is what we call insulin resistance. Meanwhile, sugar remains in the blood. In a taxing effort to get the cells to pay attention the pancreas produces more insulin. Pretty soon the insulin level is abnormally high, a once underestimated but serious problem also called hyperinsulinemia.

Dr. Ron Rosedale is author of The Rosedale Diet and co-founder of the Colorado Center for Metabolic Medicine. He is renowned for his success “helping diabetics to eliminate or reduce their need for insulin and to reduce heart disease-both without drugs or surgery,” as well as successfully treating the whole gamut of age-related diseases such as cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.[1] His first course of action usually involves diet with the purpose of reversing insulin resistance. According to Rosedale (1) hyperinsulinemia:

Causes cardiovascular disease by:

• Filling the body with plaque
• Constricting the arteries
• Stimulating the sympathetic nervous system
• Increasing platelet adhesiveness and coaguability of the blood:

1. Increases cell proliferation, causing cancer to grow:
2. Causes the excretion of magnesium and calcium through the urine
3. Depletes the body of a crucial thyroid hormone called T3, causing an underactive thyroid and leading to fatigue, slow metabolism, weight gain and other hormonal imbalances

Rosedale’s been way ahead of the game. Back in 1999 he spoke at Designs for Health Institute’s BoulderFest, where he boldly stated:

“It doesn’t matter what disease you are talking about, whether you are talking about a common cold or cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis or cancer, the root is always going to be at the molecular and cellular level, and I will tell you that insulin is going to have its hand in it, if not totally control it.”

Ultimately, says Rosedale, all of these diseases are actually symptoms of one overarching disease: aging. Aging itself is the disease and it’s largely determined by insulin. It was for a while conjectured that calorie restriction would lengthen health and life span. But after examining the science and researching the chemistry of centenarians (people who live to be 100+ years old), researchers have found that it’s not low calories but low insulin slowing aging and preventing death.

The problem, of course, isn’t the hormone. It’s our unnatural spiking of its levels by consuming astronomically more grains, carbs and sugars than the human body was ever designed to process.

Remedies

The good news is that experts and doctors, including Dr. Rosedale, state without hesitation that insulin resistance can be reversed even after it’s reached the detrimental stage of severe type 2 diabetes, and completely without drugs or surgery. The key is going to be diet and exercise, and studies are revealing a few tricks we can employ.

Carbohydrates

There are two kinds of carbs: fiber and non-fiber. When you consume carbs they should be completely and 100% pure without added sugars or artificial anything, and contain fiber. Potatoes have very little fiber and quickly convert to sugar. We’re mostly talking dense vegetables, leafy greens and the occasional grain. Most of the breads found in the market are pure sugar to your blood and that spells insulin flooding, fat storing, cellular resistance. Ezekiel bread is known to have a lesser effect on blood glucose levels and there are now more protein-rich, grain-free, low-carb breads emerging.

Protein/Fat

Most weight loss and health experts today are in agreement: protein and fat should be our primary sources of calories. Rosedale suggests: “one to two grams of protein per kilogram of lean body mass.” It’s better to have a little more than less the amount needed. But “I don’t recommend a high protein diet;” he says, “I recommend an adequate protein diet.” Our primary fuel source shouldn’t be sugar, carbs, or protein but healthy fats.

There is some debate as to which fats are best, and science has more recently been supporting the need for healthy saturated fats. Many agree on these healthy fat superfoods:

• nuts and seeds
• coconut oil
• olives and olive oil
• avocados and avocado oil
• fish
• sardines
• cheeses
• eggs
• clean raw milk (full fat)
• full fat cottage cheese

Apple Cider Vinegar

This is our featured item. Many are talking about remedies that help to flat line blood sugar levels such as lemon juice and fresh, real organic cinnamon. These are good and true. But there is strong scientific evidence for yet another oldie but a goodie, ACV “with the mother.”

In 2004 Dr. CS Johnston conducted an experiment on 11 insulin resistant (pre-diabetics), 10 type 2 diabetics, and a control group with good insulin sensitivity. The test groups first drank 20 g apple cider vinegar mixed with 40 g water and 1 tsp saccharine, then followed with a high-carb meal of a white bagel, butter and orange juice. Everyone’s blood sugar was checked before the meal and then 30 and 60 minutes following.

The pre-diabetic group saw the most dramatic results with a 34%improvement to their insulin sensitivity. Type 2 diabetics saw roughly a 25% improvement.

Having less insulin is likely to mean less fat storage, and that’s what another study discovered: drinking two tablespoons of ACV prior to a meal had the unexpected result of causing weight loss. Over a 4 week period participants lost 2-4 pounds compared to the placebo group which ate the same diet and showed no weight loss.

As one of Johnston’s reports concluded:  “The marked antiglycemic effect of vinegar in insulin-resistant subjects is noteworthy and may have important implications.” More research is being conducted to determine the efficacy of ACV as a potential diabetes prevention and treatment, as well as to uncover the precise mechanisms responsible for its antiglycemic effects.

It’s good to have variety in order to avoid developing food intolerances. Organic raw apple cider vinegar just may be a good item to add to your bag of nifty tricks in keeping insulin levels low along with organic lemon juice, organic cinnamon and supplements. Most of all, eliminate sugar, avoid non-fiber carbs, consider high intensity interval training and do regular resistance training. Add healthy fats. Eat plenty of protein.

Your cravings will change. The rest will come.

References

(Dr. Rosedale) Insulin and It’s Metabolic Effects

Calorie Restriction NOT Key to Increasing Life, Lowering Insulin LevelIs

Vinegar decreases postprandial hyperglycemia in patients with type 1diabetes.

Vinegar improves insulin sensitivity to a high-carbohydrate meal insubjects with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.

What the Research Really Says About Apple Cider Vinegar

[1] http://drrosedale.com/about#axzz2cXw1KhQR

Article source: http://www.bewellbuzz.com/alternative-medicine/drink-apple-cider-vinegar-to-lower-blood-sugar-and-insulin/

What is Basil Good For?

Basics on Basil

 

Botanical name: Ocimum basilicum

If a kitchen has only a few herbs in its possession, basil will likely be one of them. Its fragrant essence combines well with rosemary and thyme in meat dishes, fish, vegetables, cheese, soup and eggs, and is one of the main ingredients in pesto, along with pine nuts and parmesan cheese.

Although more than 60 varieties of basil have been identified, they all fall into three main types: sweet, purple, and bush. Each offers a subtle difference in taste; varieties such as lemon, anise, and cinnamon basil give you an idea of how one might modify and enhance a recipe. It only takes a few leaves to transform a simple dish - even a sandwich.

Basil plants are easy to maintain indoors and out. Snip off budding heads whenever they appear and underneath the base of a leaf near the bottom on spindly stems to keep your plant full, and a new branch will appear.

To dry basil leaves, warm your oven to 140 degrees while placing a single layer of basil leaves on a baking sheet. Turn off the oven and pop in your pan for 20 minutes (you don't want them to actually bake). Remove the pan, cool the leaves, and store immediately in airtight bottles or zip-lock bags, away from sunlight.

Health Benefits of Basil

Basil also is considered one of the healthiest herbs. It's best when fresh, exuding a sweet, earthy aroma that indicates not only the promise of pleasantly pungent flavor, but an impressive list of nutrients. Vitamin K, essential for blood clotting, is one of them. Just two tablespoons of basil provides 29 percent of the daily recommended value.

Basil also provides vitamin A, which contains  beta-carotenes, powerful antioxidants that protect the cells lining a number of numerous body structures, including the blood vessels, from free radical damage. This helps prevent cholesterol in  blood from oxidizing, helping to prevent atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and stroke.

Other vitamins and minerals in basil include iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, vitamin C and potassium. Not surprisingly, basil also has antibacterial properties and contains DNA-protecting flavonoids.

It's the flavonoids and volatile oils in basil that give it the most health benefits, the former protecting on the cellular level, with antibacterial properties related to its volatile oils. Among these are estragole, linalool, cineole, eugenol, sabinene, myrcene, and limonene, all capable of restricting the growth of numerous harmful bacteria, including listeria, staphylococcus, E. coli, yersinia enterocolitica, and pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Some antibiotic medications which have been found to be resistant to some of these strains have been inhibited by basil extracts. One of those oils - eugenol - can block the activity of the harmful enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX). This same effect puts basil in the "anti-inflammatory" category because it provides relief from related problems, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Basil Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 2 Tbsp. of chopped basil (5 grams)

• Calories: 1             
• Vitamin K: 29%
• Vitamin A: 6%
• Vitamin C: 2%
• Calcium: 1%
• Iron: 1%

Studies Done on Basil

When scientists tested basil oil in diluted concentrations against several common but serious multidrug-resistant bacteria, including some of those listed above, it strongly reduced the negative effect of the bacteria. Research data noted the encouraging results of the tests, especially in light of the high level of resistance of the bacteria.1

Another study debated the traditional use of basil to treat several respiratory diseases and the symptoms of tuberculosis, exploring the possible use of basil against actual tuberculosis symptoms. Test results were affirmative, with the conclusion that basil could be used to formulate new and natural anti-tuberculosis treatments.2

Since basil extracts reduce sugars as well as free radicals in your body, tests were conducted in relation to its effect on glycemic index, leading researchers to conclude that basil extracts may have the potential to inhibit diabetes.3

One impressive study showed that washing produce in a solution of basil or thyme essential oil in just a 1% concentration diminished the number of infectious Shigella bacteria, which can   produce intestine-damaging diarrhea. This result proves that ingesting basil and thyme in as many ways as possible, especially fresh in salads and their dressings, helps ensure the safety of the fresh produce you bring to your table.

Basil Healthy Recipes: Spinach-Basil Green Minestrone Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 ounces thick cut nitrate/nitrate-free prosciutto, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 stalks of celery with leaves, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 can cannellini beans (or other white bean)
• 1 can garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
• Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup mini penne pasta (or wheat-free pasta of your choice)
• ½ pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 10 ounces spinach, stems removed and coarsely chopped, or chard
• ½ cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (or parsley)

Procedure:

• Heat a large pot over medium high heat. Add  oil and prosciutto. Sauté for 2 minutes, then add onions, celery, garlic, zucchini, and  bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Add  white beans, garbanzo beans, and chicken broth. Cover and bring to a boil.
• Add pasta and green beans and cook for 8 minutes, or until pasta is al dente (just tender). Stir in spinach to wilt, about 1 minute. Stir in cheese and serve in soup bowls. Top each serving with basil or parsley. Makes four servings.

(From Healthy Recipes for Your Nutritional Type by Dr. Mercola)

Basil Fun Facts

The ancient Greek word "basilikohn," meaning royal, is the derivative of what we now call basil. It reflected an attitude of nobility and a desire to extend hospitality, friendship, and honor whenever it was served.

Summary

Basil is arguably one of the favorites among herbs because it has so many uses. Everything from soups to sandwiches can be made simply better with the addition of its fresh, pungent leaves. It also has been found to contain oils and flavonoids that protect the body from illness and infection. Very small concentrations can kill harmful bacteria, but still be very beneficial, even preventing atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and stroke.

Other sources:

http://voices.yahoo.com/the-7-healthiest-herbs-cooking-103570.html

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=85

https://sites.google.com/site/spiritualfoodcsa/food-a-pedia/basil

http://www.pickyourown.org/DHbasilmint.htm

References:

1 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12732427, Comparative studies on the activity of basil--an essential oil from Ocimum basilicum L.--against multidrug resistant clinical isolates of the genera Staphylococcus, Enterococcus and Pseudomonas by using different test methods

2 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22982011, Evaluation of the antimycobacterium activity of the constituents from Ocimum basilicum against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

3 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21636683, Hypoglycemic effect of basil (Ocimum basilicum) aqueous extract is mediated through inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities: an in vitro study.

Article source: http://foodfacts.mercola.com/basil.html

#PORKTOBERFEST - A Street Party Protest Against the Pork Barrel System

Click image for details.

So you go out on a payday Friday night. You check your payslip and you see your withholding tax - there goes part of your hard-earned money. You pay for parking with 12% EVAT. You buy food and drinks with friends and you pay your bill - with 12% EVAT. The next morning you read the papers, you see how the taxes you paid last night was misused by people you thought you could trust. Dammit.

On October 25, a Friday night, you probably will go out again. Pay for parking, pay for gas, and pay for your weekly dose of Friday night food and drinks - with all those you pay 12% EVAT. BUT YOU HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF THE DECEIT AND THIEVERY. You want to tell your government that what you will be paying on the night of October 25 should be properly used and should not go to the pockets of those suckers. YOU WILL DO THIS AT THE #PORKTOBERFEST!

BE IN THE KNOW. BE AWARE. BECAUSE YOU OWE IT TO YOUR COUNTRY. Because you can have fun while you learn about your country's issues and while you become part of the solution to your country's problems.

WE DEMAND:

1) The ABOLITION of the Pork Barrel System.
2) A FULL ACCOUNTING of ALL pork barrel funds used.
3) An IMPARTIAL INVESTIGATION and the PROSECUTION OF ALL INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED in the misuse of pork barrel funds.

WE SUPPORT THE PASSING OF THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT.

There will be NO CENTRAL STAGE AND SPEECHES. Bars and restaurants in the area are invited to set up tables and chairs/ booths and kiosks and even small platforms/stages along the sidewalk of Morato to provide entertainment AGAINST THE PORK BARREL. Street performers/artists (flashmobs, singers, poetry readers, etc.) are also invited to perform along the street.

Express yourself on our Freedom Wall where you can write your protests against the pork barrel system!

Bring your noisemakers because at 12 midnight we will make noise that will echo throughout this country TO SHOW THIS GOVERNMENT THAT WE ARE THE BOSS AND WE WANT THE PORK BARREL SYSTEM SCRAPPED!!!

Show the government that you want cleaning up! WEAR WHITE! COME AND SHOW YOUR GOVERNMENT THAT YOU ARE THE BOSS!

The Power of MALUNGAY

Moringa Water Treatment

In addition to food, shelter and clothing, water is one of our basic human needs and lack of potable water is a major cause of death and disease in our world. The purpose of this document is to provide information on household water treatment using seeds of the Moringa oleifera tree.

Using natural materials to clarify water is a technique that has been practiced for centuries and of all the materials that have been used, seeds of the Moringa have been found to be one of the most effective. Studies have been conducted since the early 1970's to test the effectiveness of Moringa seeds for treating water. These studies have confirmed that the seeds are highly effective in removing suspended particles from water with medium to high levels of turbidity (Moringa seeds are less effective at treating water with low levels of turbidity).

Theory

Moringa oleifera seeds treat water on two levels, acting both as a coagulant and an antimicrobial agent. It is generally accepted that Moringa works as a coagulant due to positively charged, water-soluble proteins, which bind with negatively charged particles (silt, clay, bacteria, toxins, etc) allowing the resulting “flocs” to settle to the bottom or be removed by filtration. The antimicrobial aspects of Moringa continue to be researched. Findings support recombinant proteins both removing microorganisms by coagulation as well as acting directly as growth inhibitors of the microorganisms. While there is ongoing research being conducted on the nature and characteristics of these components, it is accepted that treatments with Moringa solutions will remove 90-99.9% of the impurities in water.

Water Treatment with Moringa Seeds

Solutions of Moringa seeds for water treatment may be prepared from seed kernels or from the solid residue left over after oil extraction (presscake). Moringa seeds, seed kernels or dried presscake can be stored for long periods but Moringa solutions for treating water should be prepared fresh each time. In general, 1 seed kernel will treat 1 liter (1.056 qt) of water.

Dosage Rates: 

• Low turbidity NTU < 50 1 seed per 4 liters (4.225 qt) water 
• Medium turbidity NTU 50 - 150 1 seed per 2 liters (2.112 qt) water 
• High turbidity NTU 150 - 250 1 seed per 1 liter (1.056 qt) water
• Extreme turbidity NTU > 250 2 seeds per 1 liter (1.056 qt) water

Instructions to Clean Water with Moringa Seeds

1. Collect mature Moringa oleifera seed pods and remove seeds from pods.
2. Shell seeds (remove seed coat) to obtain clean seed kernels; discard discolored seeds.
3. Determine quantity of kernels needed based on amount and turbidity of water; in general 1 seed kernel will treat 1 liter (1.056 qt) of water.
4. Crush appropriate number of seed kernels (using grinder, mortar and pestle, etc) to obtain a fine powder and sift the powder through a screen or small mesh.
5. Mix seed powder with a small amount of clean water to form a paste.
6. Mix the paste and 250 ml (1 cup) of clean water into a bottle and shake for 1 minute to activate the coagulant properties and form a solution. 
7. Filter this solution through a muslin cloth or fine mesh screen (to remove insoluble materials) and into the water to be treated.
8. Stir treated water rapidly for at least 1 minute then slowly (15-20 rotations per minute) for 5-10 minutes.
9. Let the treated water sit without disturbing for at least 1-2 hours.
10. When the particles and contaminates have settled to the bottom, the clean water can be carefully poured off. 
11. Mix seed powder with a small amount of clean water to form a paste.
12. Mix the paste and 250 ml (1 cup) of clean water into a bottle and shake for 1 minute to activate the coagulant properties and form a solution.
13. Filter this solution through a muslin cloth or fine mesh screen (to remove insoluble materials) and into the water to be treated.
14. Stir treated water rapidly for at least 1 minute then slowly (15-20 rotations per minute) for 5-10 minutes.
15. Let the treated water sit without disturbing for at least 1-2 hours.
16. When the particles and contaminates have settled to the bottom, the clean water can be carefully poured off.
17. This clean water can then be filtered or sterilized to make it completely safe for drinking.

DANGERS

Secondary Infection: The process of shaking and stirring must be followed closely to activate the coagulant properties; if the flocculation process takes too long, there is a risk of secondary bacteria growth during flocculation.

• Recontamination: The process of settling is important. The sediment at the bottom contains the impurities so care must be taken to use only the clear water off the top and not allow the sediment to re-contaminate the cleared water.

• Additional contaminants: Moringa treatment does not remove 100% of water pathogens.

• It is acceptable for drinking only where people are currently drinking untreated, contaminated water.

By Beth Doerr, ECHO Staff

Source: http://miracletrees.org/moringa_water_purification.html

Stand up for your right to safe food !

PLEASE SIGN UP THE PETITION AND SHARE THIS MESSAGE WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILIES WHO WANT TO STAND UP FOR RICE AND THE RIGHT TO SAFE FOOD...here!
STAND UP FOR YOUR RICE!
Rice is the Philippines’ main staple and is also consumed by more than half of the world’s population every day. The diversity of our rice is a valuable resource for developing new varieties with improved yields and can withstand diseases and environmental conditions without compromising human health and the environment. However this resource is now being threatened by plans to release and commercialize Golden Rice to address Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in the country. 

However, these should be our concern: 

• Golden rice is a genetically engineered crop, that can have irreversible damage to health, food security, environment, culture, farmers and communities. More than 60 countries have imposed moratoria or outright bans on GMOs to adopt the precautionary principle. 
• The Philippines does not have a biosafety law nor the capacity and resources to conduct robust risk assessments for GMOs intended for field testing, food, feed and propagation. The current regulatory process for GMOs is flawed and is only based on risk assessments conducted by the company who owns these GMOs.
• Any deliberate release of GMOs can contaminate conventional crops. This also means that the more than 80 GMOs allowed for importation for food, feed and processing and 8 GMO corn varieties allowed for commercial propagation in the country actually challenge the integrity of the 2010 National Organic Agriculture Act. 
• Covered by expensive patents, Golden Rice and other GMOs can deprive farmer’s access, control and stewardship over plant genetic resources which have been nurtured, exchanged and shared across communities for generations.
• The incidence of VAD have been significantly reduced to 15% for children as of 2008 and there are already solutions in place to address VAD and other micronutrient deficiencies. The funds that are being wasted on Golden Rice research and development should instead be used on solutions that are already working which include fortification of foods and Vitamin A supplementation capsules. Having a diverse diet is still the best solution to VAD. 

Say no to Golden Rice! Let us demand access to safe, healthy, nutritious and sufficient food that is produced through ecological agriculture. 

2nd FGS Mabuhay Temple Conference on Humanistic Buddhism and Cultural Pluralism

Gusto ko pumunta!

HALLOWEEN COMICFEST 2013

Malapit na, kitakits!

DANGEROUS PROCESSED MEATS!

The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) has just completed a detailed review of more than 7,000 clinical studies covering links between diet and cancer.  Its conclusion is rocking the health world with startling bluntness: Processed meats are too dangerous for human consumption. Consumers should stop buying and eating all processed meat products for the rest of their lives.

Processed meats include bacon, sausage, hot dogs, sandwich meat, packaged ham, pepperoni, salami and virtually all red meat used in frozen prepared meals. They are usually manufactured with a carcinogenic ingredient known as sodium nitrite. This is used as a color fixer by meat companies to turn packaged meats a bright red color so they look fresh. 

Unfortunately, sodium nitrite also results in the formation of cancer-causing nitrosamines in the human body. And this leads to a sharp increase in cancer risk for those who eat them.

A 2005 University of Hawaii study found that processed meats increase the risk of pancreatic cancer by 67 percent. Another study revealed that every 50 grams of processed meat consumed daily increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 21 percent. These are alarming numbers. Note that these cancer risks do not come from eating fresh, non-processed meats. They only appear in people who regularly consume processed meat products containing sodium nitrite.

Sodium nitrite appears predominantly in red meat products (you won’t find it in chicken or fish products). Here’s a short list of food items to check carefully for sodium nitrite and monosodium glutamate (MSG), another dangerous additive:

• Beef jerky
• Bacon
• Sausage
• Hot dogs
• Sandwich meat
• Frozen pizza with meat
• Canned soups with meat
• Frozen meals with meat
• Ravioli and meat pasta foods
• Kid’s meals containing red meat
• Sandwich meat used at popular restaurants
• Nearly all red meats sold at public schools, restaurants, hospitals, hotels and theme parks

If sodium nitrite is so dangerous to humans, why do the FDA and USDA continue to allow this cancer-causing chemical to be used? The answer, of course, is that food industry interests now dominate the actions by U.S. government regulators. The USDA, for example, tried to ban sodium nitrite in the late 1970′s but was overridden by the meat industry.5 It insisted the chemical was safe and accused the USDA of trying to “ban bacon.”

Today, the corporations that dominate American food and agricultural interests hold tremendous influence over the FDA and USDA. Consumers are offered no real protection from dangerous chemicals intentionally added to foods, medicines and personal care products.

You can protect yourself and your family from the dangers of processed meats by following a few simple rules:

1. Always read ingredient labels.
2. Don’t buy anything made with sodium nitrite or monosodium glutamate.
3. Don’t eat red meats served by restaurants, schools, hospitals, hotels or other institutions.

And finally, eat more fresh produce with every meal. There is evidence that natural vitamin C found in citrus fruits and exotic berries (like camu camu) helps prevent the formation of cancer-causing nitrosamines, protecting you from the devastating health effects of sodium nitrite in processed meats. The best defense, of course, is to avoid eating processed meats altogether.

Article retrieved from:http://institutefornaturalhealing.com/2012/04/processed-meats-declared-too-dangerous-for-human-consumption/

The Wonderful Tea Tree Oil!

Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Oil} is extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca Alternifolia, which is native to Southeast Queensland and the Northeast coast of New South Wales, Australia. It has anti-septic, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Rubbing Tea Tree Oil on your teeth and gums makes this invaluable for aiding in the protection of your teeth and warding off infections. Add a few drops to a tablespoon of coconut oil apply to the gums. Note tea tree oil can cause irritation and cause allergies although the chance of this occurring is low.

You can also add a few drops of the oil in filtered water for gargling and swishing to aid in healing from infection or for general protection of the teeth and gums. Also, by adding a few drops of tea tree oil mixed with coconut oil to any sore areas is great for reducing inflammation. It is beneficial in treating the symptoms of oral candidiasis by using it as a mouth rinse.

Tea Tree Oil has proven antibiotic properties. A topically applied tea tree oil gel was evaluated in a double-blind placebo-controlled study involving 49 people with severe chronic gingivitis. They were told to brush twice a day and were assessed after 4 and 8 weeks. The group that brushed with tea tree oil had a significant reduction in the degree of gingivitis and bleeding.

A great mouth wash that may be much safer than regular mouthwash containing many questionable chemicals is simple to make. Place a few drops of tea tree oil and/or a few drops of peppermint oil in a cup of warm water and store for seven days in the refrigerator.

Using tea tree oil as part of your natural dental health maintenance program can do wonders to the health of your teeth.  Tea Tree Oil mixed with coconut oil as mentioned above can be used as a very cleansing toothpaste without toxic chemicals commonly found in many supermarket toothpastes and will also help enhance healthy teeth. Also the simple act of massaging the oils with your finger on your gums and teeth will get the blood circulating that can enhance healing.

Tea tree oil should not be swallowed and be used in its pure form. You should check with your dentist or doctor if you are pregnant or have other health issues.

References:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15293818

Save Your Teeth Self Care – Recipes and Natural Approaches: http://www.authenticdiscovery.com.au/ebook-store

Ramfah sa Mindanao!

Sa wakas, sinipag akong magsulat ngayon dito sa blog ko.  Pangako, sisipagan ko na talaga ang magsulat, medyo ginaganahan na ulit eh.  Huwag lang mahu-hook ulit ng Facebook!

Nagkaroon ulit ako ng pagkakataon na makapunta sa Mindanao (medyo napapadalas ngayong taon actually, well, sana nga parati, huwag lang ngayong taon)...at siyempre, kapag ako nakapunta ng Mindanao, kahit malayo, kailangan kong rumamfah ng Davao, ang paborito kong lungsod sa Pilipinas!

Pero, bago ako maglakwatsa ng Davao, trabaho muna…at ang destinasyon ko naman ngayon eh HINATUAN at MARIHATAG ng Surigao del Sur.  Grabeh, malayo pala ang byahe galing Davao.  Lima  o anim (5 o 6) na oras ang byahe, pero okay lang, nakakapagod pero enjoy naman, maganda ang mga daan pati na rin mga tanawin.  Magaganda talaga ang daan dito sa Mindanao at ang kabutihan pa n'un, walang bayad o toll fee!

Mapa muna tayo ng Mindanao.  Sa dilaw na bahagi ako medyo naligaw, at grabeh, malayong byahe pala siya!

At ayun ang HINATUAN at MARIHATAG! Talaga pa lang nasa gilid sila ng Mindanao! At nakaharap mismo sa Pacific Ocean!

Sa Hinatuan Surigao del Sur muna kami pumunta, at bago magsimula ang aming trabaho, habang naghihintay, naggala-gala muna ako at marami akong magandang nakita!  

Eto...

May doppler radar pala ang PAGASA d’un, isang malaking tore na kumukuha ng taya ng panahon, na mukhang isang malaking….

Terminal papuntang HInatuan, kada 30 minuto ay may dumadaan na mga sasakyan, tulad ng bus, Starrex Van (sosyal, pampasahero lang nila ‘yun!), tricycle, at habal-habal!  Nasa tabi mismo 'to ng dagat.  

Eto terminal nila, mas malapitan na kuha.

Interesado ako sa habal-habal, iba't-ibang lugar kasi, kakaiba!  Eto 'yung medyo madalas na makikita...  

Kitams!

Pero, sa Hinatuan,, iba ang nakita ko! Sanay akong makakita ng habal-habal, kaso kakaiba ‘yung version na nakita ko dito…may bubong!

Eto, may nakita kong nakatigil sa terminal.  Heheheh, may bubong!  Para nga naman ‘di mabasa ang mga pasahero.  At ‘yung iba, may seatbelt pa raw! Saan ka na!

Gusto ko sanang sumakay, kaso wala akong oras at takot ako, heheheh...kaya kinausap ko ang isang drayber at tinanong ko na lang kung paano pumunta sa Hinatuan Enchanted River.  Sikat na sikat na puntahan kasi ‘yun sa lugar na ‘yun.  Malapit na lang daw ‘yun, kaso wala pa akong panahon makapunta d’un.  Sa susunod na lang, at least ngayon alam ko na kung paano pumunta d’un.

Tapos, sa paglalakad ko, may nakita akong grupo ng mga tao na abalang-abala, na-curious ako, kaya’t pinuntahan ko.

Abalang-abala sila sa kung ano man ang ginagawa nila.  Ano kaya 'yun?

Mga taong namimingwit ng isda na gamit lang ang sima at tanse.  Walang fishing rod, simple lang pero ayos!

At marami sila, ma-matanda, ma-bata! Kada umaga, ganito ang makikita mo dito.  

Meron na ngang hinuhugasan ang kanyang mga nahuli...may ulam na si manong!

At eto, may malaking nahuli!

Sa tabihan lang ‘yan, pero kaya nilang makahuli ng malaki at mamahaling isda!

At sa paligid ay makikita ang maraming mga bangka.  Naisip ko tuloy, sa tabi pa lang, mamahaling isda na ang nahuhuli nila, ano pa kaya kung sa dagat mismo?

Eto 'yung mga bangka nila.

Nag-enjoy ako ng husto sa paglilibot, pero naalala ko na kailangan ko ng bumalik sa lugar namin para sa activity, kaya dali-dali akong bumalik. 

Okay naman ang naging takbo ng activity namin at napahanga ako sa local choir nila.  Ang mga miyembro ay empleyado rin ng gobyerno.  Kumanta sila ng panalangin, pambansang awit at awit ng bayan nila (Hinatuan hymn).  ‘di nga ako nakapagpigil at tinanong ko ‘yung organizer kung pwedeng pumalakpak pagkatapos ng awit nila, napangiti siya, heheheh….

Okay sa olrayt!  May bonus pa na kanta ni Jason Mraz! Updated ah!  Sorry, nakalimutan ko name nila...pero sa LGU ng Hinatuan naman sila eh, madaling malaman.

At nang matapos ang activity, byahe naman papuntang MARIHATAG, Surigao del Sur.  Pero, bago kami pumunta d'un, nagpalipas muna kami ng isang gabi sa isang resort malapit d’un…KANISULAD resort (sorry ‘di ako sigurado sa pangalan).  Gabi na kami ng makarating sa resort.  Madilim na kaya ‘di na makita ang dagat, pagkatapos kumain ng hapunan, nagpahinga na kami kaagad. 

Okay naman sana ‘yung resort, malawak ang mga kwarto, kaso hindi maganda ang serbisyo.  Kape lang ‘di pa kayang i-serve ng mga tauhan.

Kinaumagahan, ramfah galore!

Maganda ‘yung bakawan nila…mga bakawan sa ibabaw ng purong batong bundok mismo!  Unas o kati (low tide) n’ung umaga, kaya nagawa ko pang makalakad sa ilalim ng bakawan.

At eto ‘yung mga cottage nila…maganda at sobrang barato hah!

Happy!

At may tore pa!

Feeling may-ari!

Ramfah pah!

Pagkakain ng agahan, alis na papuntang MARIHATAG naman.  Isang oras din na byahe.  Maaga kaming nakarating at bago magsimula ang aming activity, takas muna papuntang dagat. 

Grabeh, nasa dalampasigan kami, pero ang kita at ramdam naming ang lakas ng alon, nakakatakot!

Tapos, balik na kaagad ulit, pero sa pagbalik, nakakita ulit ako ng habal-habal at nakapagpa-picture na rin ako sa wakas!

Sa wakas!

Tapos, n’ung pahinga n’ung tanghalian, nakatakas ulit ako para makapaglibot-libot ulit...at marami nga akong mga interesanteng nakita!

Eto ‘yung terminal nila.

Maraming habal-habal sa terminal nila!

Habal-habal in action!  Nakakatuwa talagang panoorin!

Isa pang klase ng habal-habal na karaniwang ginagamit sa pangkalakal o negosyo, grabeh talagang dumiskarte ang Pinoy!

Tapos, may nakita ako na akala ko suman.  Well, para kasi siyang suman, pero gamot o tambal daw nila, lalo na sa masasakit ang tiyan.  “Pili” ang tawag nila.  Gawa sa katas o dakta ng pili, ‘yung wax!  Kuha ng kapiraso, tunawin sa mainit na tubig at inumin.  Uutot ng uutot daw ang mangyayari para mawala ang sakit ng tiyan!

Pampautot!

Hapon na rin kami natapos sa activity namin, at saka lumarga.  Sa paglarga, nadaanan naming ang isang rest area na ang ganda ng tanawin – mga bakawan!

 

Graveh, ang ganda ng view!

Gabi na kami nakarating sa hotel, sa SanFran naman kami natulog, at the usual, kain lang at tulog ulit.

Kinabukasan, byahe na papuntang Davao City, at siyempre excited talaga.  At pagdating nga ng Davao, ramfah! 

Kinagabihan, sa MTS naman ako rumamfah.  Tuwang-tuwa ako, kasi nataymingan ko na P.L.O. o Popong Landero Organization ang tumutugtog.  Paborito ko sila at napakagaling talaga!  Napakaswerte ko pa at tinugtog nila ang mga paborito kong kanta nila, walang kupas!

P.L.O.

Haaay, at n’ung natapos, balik hotel....tulog!

Kinaumagahan, airport na…masaya na malungkot.  Masaya kasi nakabalik ulit ng Mindanao, malungkot kasi mami-miss ko na naman.